• Your opportunity to start from the beginning

  • Small group workshop sessions

  • One-on-one support

  • Try out different studio classes

Summer 2026

Intro to Yoga Workshop Series

A fresh take on the Beginner Yoga Series!

At DM Wellness & Yoga we truly believe that yoga should feel good! This series is designed to help you find a yoga practice that works for YOU! Join us for a workshop series to begin or reignite your yoga practice.

New this summer - a modular take on the traditional beginner series. This will include four individual workshops, held Sunday evenings from 6:00-8:30pm, that can be taken individually or all four bundled together. Registration for those planning to attend all four will be open first.

MODULE 1 - Intro to Yoga Philosophy - July 12th

The practice of yoga goes far beyond the poses, and the goal is much more than movement. This session will cover the basics of the Yoga Sutras (a foundational text in yoga philosophy) including the 8 Limbs of Yoga model. This includes an overview of the ethical/moral, physical, and mental practices of yoga. We will also touch on other branches of yoga and key concepts like the kleshas, koshas, and chakras. A list of additional follow-up suggested reading/resources will be provided as well as journal prompts related to our topics discussed for further personal contemplation.

MODULE 2 - Intro to Meditation, Breathwork, and the Nervous System - July 19th

The overarching goal of the practice of yoga is to calm the mind. We use tools, like breath and focused meditation, to help regulate the nervous system to help reach that goal! This session will provide a general overview of the biology of your nervous system as well as the mechanics of breathing before diving into hands-on practice. We will discuss and explore a variety of breathwork and meditation techniques (including a fan-favorite, yoga nidra) so you can feel what works best for your body. A variety of follow-up guided practices will be provided as well as resources for additional reading on the topics covered.

MODULE 3 - Intro to Grounded Poses & Relaxed Styles of Yoga - August 2nd

Looking to feel more confident and comfortable in your body when you attend gentle, yin, or restorative yoga classes? Join us to break down common grounded poses (things like cow, cat, kneeling lunges, etc.), yin and restorative postures, and how to best utilize various studio props to support the intended benefits of the pose. We’ll take our time talking through and feeling out various poses and linking a few together with the breath. We will also review the differences in common slower styles of yoga, like yin and restorative, and take time to feel the benefits of the different types of practice. Additional guided practices will be provided, as well as handouts with information about the poses covered.

MODULE 4 - Intro to Standing Poses & Active Styles of Yoga - August 9th

Not sure if you are doing the pose “right” or just want to feel more steady on your feet during an active yoga practice? This is the workshop for you! We’ll break down typical poses you’d see in a vinyasa-style yoga class and give you the opportunity to explore the right setup for your body and feeling out the intended muscular engagement to promote steadiness. We’ll play with some transitions so you know how to get from one place to another as we build into sun salutations. This session also includes an overview of many common active styles of yoga so you know what it means when a schedule lists classes called hatha, vinyasa, ashtanga, etc. As time allows, we’ll also go through a variety of drills to help build strength for more complicated transitions like chaturanga and stepping forward from downward facing dog. Additional guided practices will be provided, as well as handouts with information about the poses covered.

Pricing & Registration Links

*Please check all dates/times carefully - workshop registrations are non-refundable.

FAQs

Where do the sessions take place?

Weekly workshop sessions are held at DM Wellness & Yoga, located at 1131 42nd St. in Des Moines. The studio is on the west side of the Uptown Shopping center, south of Friedrich's Coffee. There are a few parking spaces on the south side of the building and ample parking to the north in the main Hy-Vee lot.

Do I need to bring anything to class?

Just yourself! A lot of students do choose to bring their own yoga mat and a water bottle, but we have everything that you’ll need on site at no additional cost. No need to stress about showing up with the right gear or outfit - as long as you can move comfortably, you’re all set!

What physical capabilities do I need to participate in this program?

This program can be adapted for most bodies, but will be most comfortable for you if you are able to get to the floor and back up to your feet without support. Please reach out to discuss any concerns.

I’m working through an injury - is this still appropriate for me?

Most likely, yes. There is a lot that we can work around, especially since this series combines a lot of different practices and education, so it certainly isn’t all physical. Please reach out to info@dmwellnessyoga.com with specific questions.

I have never tried yoga. Why is this the right starting point?

You won't get lost in the crowd here. This group will be kept small so that each person will receive the support they need to get comfortable with the practice. We focus on the comprehensive nature of the practice - not just physical poses, but also personal development through meditation, journaling, and breathwork. You don't need to be super flexible!

Do I have to do all four workshops?

Nope! You can pick and choose what is most interesting to you. Individual workshops can be registered for at the rate of $65. If you’d like to sign up for the whole Beginner Bundle (all 4 workshops), the rate is $225 and you receive a bonus 30-min online private session w/ Dara.

What have Beginner Series participants said?

  • “This may be an odd answer, but my favorite aspect of the series was the diversity in its members. I appreciated we had folks ranging from their early 20s to their mid-60s. It made the class feel a lot more accessible and I appreciated sharing the experience with people across a more diverse background than my usual yoga class.”

  • “This class is for anyone who wants to slow down and give some much-needed love to themselves mid-week. Whether you're an absolute beginner or have taken a yoga class here or there, Dara's class is a really great opportunity to not only unwind but commit some much-needed time to your body and mind.”

  • "Honestly, this is the most positive experience I've ever had with any sort of yoga. I've tried classes and drop-ins before, but everything left me feeling stressed out or a little unsettled. (Probably because I spent most of my energy worrying if I was doing everything right.) This class is such a relief—literally and mentally—which is exactly what yoga should be!"

Book Your Spot!